Teacher gifts...how much $? IGNORE..SORRY!

[MelCald]

I am going to buy Staples gift certificates for my kids teachers. How much is appropriate to spend??

Thanks
Melissa

So sorry for the double post..not sure what happened.

 

[Divamomto3]

OMG, I'm trying to sit on my hands. Trying, trying, trying! I am going to get SOOOOOOOOOO flamed. SOOOOOO flamed, I tell you. I already feel my office chair getting hot.

But this is one of my pet peeves. Yes, I buy teacher gifts. Actually, I'm probably more extravagant than most others. Yes, I appreciate the work and dedication. Yes, I realize that they don't make as much money as Bill Gates. Yes, I realize they had to put up with my kid for 180 days. And yes, my sister, whom I love dearly is a teacher in a Catholic School no less...and makes a very modest salary.

But I resent buying them! Why do we do it? Isn't the teacher just doing her job? Don't I appreciate my accountant during tax time for doing my taxes correctly. Do I buy him a gift? Don't I appreciate my financial planner when he moves around my kids' college funds? Do I buy him a present? How about when my patient's heart stops and I do CPR and save their life. Do I get a present? NOOOOOOO. I just DON"T get it.

Some parents give Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, end of the year, and Teacher Appreciation Day gifts. This year, some girls even found out when the teacher's birthday was and gave her a present then too.

I have gotten myself into more trouble this morning on this Board. LOL...I really ought to go and do my laundry!

To answer your original question...I guess $20.

 

[dizagain]

Hey! I am a K teacher myself, and don't worry, divamomto3, I'm not about to flame you! I am also a mom of 2, so I have my share of gifts to buy (teachers, piano teachers, Girl Scout Leaders, coach, etc). I usually do a $10-$15 gift card each or a candle from this great popular local shop. Sometimes the class goes in on a gift, and then I just give a small something from my DD. I try to make it useful.

I think the reasoning behind giving gifts to teachers is that they spend so much time with our children. I mean, during the school year they have them more than parents do! There is usually (hopefully!) such a special bond there, that people like to give a gift to show their appreciation. Yes, it goes overboard sometimes, but it is a different sort of relationship from one with your accountant or dentist!

We've been out of school for almost three weeks now, so I've gotten past the gift giving - just waiting for the money-draining START of the new school year!!

 

[Divamomto3]

Originally posted by dizagain
I think the reasoning behind giving gifts to teachers is that they spend so much time with our children. I mean, during the school year they have them more than parents do! There is usually (hopefully!) such a special bond there, that people like to give a gift to show their appreciation. Yes, it goes overboard sometimes, but it is a different sort of relationship from one with your accountant or dentist!

You're so right, it is a special relationship.

Don't worry, I do buy them and actually put a lot of thought into them. I guess this year, I've had mediocre experiences with my kids' teachers and I'm JUST NOT into it!